Hand Stamp Sets

Hand Stamp Sets

Hand stamp sets — letter stamps and number stamps — create permanent identification marks on metal, plastic, timber, and other materials by striking a hardened steel punch into the surface. The resulting impression is permanent, resistant to solvents and abrasion, and traceable even after surface treatments such as painting or plating. Stamp marking is used for asset identification, part numbering, serial marking, and compliance marking across engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance environments. AIMS Industrial supplies steel letter and number stamp sets in standard sizes for industrial marking applications.

Letter and Number Sets

Letter stamp sets contain the 26 alphabet characters in capital (and sometimes lower case) letters; number sets contain digits 0–9. Combined alphanumeric sets provide both in a single kit. Sets are supplied in a storage case that keeps stamps organised by character for efficient use — searching through an unorganised pile of individual stamps slows marking work significantly. Standard stamp sets include a figure-eight stamp holder to indicate the mid-point when laying out a row of characters, ensuring straight, centred marking.

Stamp Sizes

Stamp character height determines the visible size of the impression. Common sizes in industrial use:

• 3mm: Small, fine marking for serial numbers and part identification on small components, jewellery, and precision instruments.
• 5mm: General industrial and engineering use — the most common size for maintenance marking, equipment identification, and workshop tags.
• 6mm and 8mm: Heavier marking for thick plate, structural steel, and applications where the mark must be readable at distance or after coating.
• 10mm and above: Large format marking for steel fabrication, structural identification plates, and applications requiring prominent marking.

Stamp Materials and Hardness

Steel stamps are heat-treated to a hardness (typically 58–62 HRC on the face) that allows marking of mild steel, aluminium, brass, and most industrial materials without stamp deformation. For marking hardened steel or harder materials, stamps from higher-alloy, higher-hardness tool steel are specified. Never use a stamp on a material harder than the stamp face — the stamp will deform rather than the workpiece. For stamp set selection by character height and material application, contact our team.

Stamping Technique for Clean, Consistent Impressions

Character depth and clarity depend on striking force and stamp alignment. Hold the stamp perfectly perpendicular to the work surface — a tilted stamp produces a character that is deeper on one side and shallow on the other. Use a solid backing block under the workpiece to prevent the material from deflecting on impact, which reduces impression depth. For hard materials such as stainless steel or hardened steel, additional strikes or a heavier hammer may be needed. Mark out the character positions with a fine scribe line or template before stamping to ensure consistent spacing and alignment across the full text.